Chapter 127: Rising Tensions on Game 2
The post-game celebrations in the Warriors' locker room were jubilant after their commanding victory over the Clippers. Tang Lei, the standout player of the night, was at the center of attention. Having just concluded a lively post-game interview, he returned to find teammates playfully ribbing him and showering him with genuine admiration. Even the benchwarmers and fringe players joined in, thrilled by their unexpected moments on the court during garbage time—moments made possible thanks to Tang's incredible performance.
Many substitutes benefitted from his sharp assists, padding their stats and enhancing their reputations. For those on the fringes, simply stepping onto the playoff stage was a career milestone, and their gratitude toward Tang was palpable. Seeing the room's contagious joy, Tang couldn't help but smile.
Steve Kerr then handed Tang the game ball—a symbolic gesture for a historic night. Tang had made the Warriors history, becoming not only the youngest player in franchise history but also in NBA history, achieving a 30+5+5 stat line in a playoff debut. The ball was a tangible acknowledgment of his extraordinary feat.
Holding the ball, Tang took a moment to express his gratitude and boldly proclaimed to his teammates: "This is just the beginning. I'll help us win the championship and complete our dynasty!"
His declaration was met with raucous cheers and applause. Teammates exchanged approving nods, impressed by his confidence and leadership at a young age. Tang's poise belied his years, and it was clear to everyone in the room that they were witnessing the emergence of a true star.
Afterward, Tang retreated to the showers, relishing the cool rinse and the satisfaction of a job well done. It was then that the familiar voice of the system rang in his ears:
[Congratulations! You've secured a playoff victory. Reward: +2 attribute points, +4 system coins.]
[Bonus! Achieved 30+5+5 in your playoff debut, setting a franchise and league record. Critical reward: +4 attribute points, +8 system coins.]
Tang smirked, pleased by the rewards. "The system doesn't disappoint. Playoff victories are definitely worth the effort."
However, he chose not to spend the attribute points or system coins just yet. The Clippers were a manageable opponent. He resolved to save his resources for tougher challenges down the line, ensuring he could adapt and counter the unforeseen difficulties that inevitably lay ahead. The road to a championship was long, and careful planning would be key.
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The next day, Tang enjoyed a well-earned rest. Sprawled out on a plush sofa, he tuned in to watch the day's playoff games.
The league had scheduled the remaining four matchups for the evening, ensuring basketball fans wouldn't have to endure an empty day. Among the matchups, Tang was particularly interested in the Rockets versus Jazz game. It was likely that the winner of that series would be his team's opponent in the next round.
The Rockets entered the playoffs as the fourth seed, one spot ahead of the Jazz. Though the gap in rankings seemed narrow, the consensus was that the Rockets had a clear edge in overall strength. However, this season's Rockets were a shadow of their former selves. Chris Paul, now burdened by a massive four-year, $160 million contract, had experienced a notable decline. Critics had lambasted the Rockets' front office for what they deemed an ill-advised deal, while whispers of tension between Paul and James Harden had grown louder.
Despite these challenges, the Rockets delivered a statement win. Harden dominated the Jazz with his signature step-back threes and foul-drawing mastery, while Paul orchestrated the offense with veteran precision. The result? A decisive 122–90 victory, a 32-point blowout that sent a clear message to the league.
Elsewhere, the Bucks crushed the Pistons 121–86, driven by Giannis Antetokounmpo's unstoppable play. With Detroit missing Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond struggling to keep up, the result was as lopsided as everyone had expected.
The other games were more competitive. The Trail Blazers eked out a 104–99 win over the Thunder, while the Celtics ground out an 84–74 victory against the Pacers. Unlike the chaos of the previous day—when multiple higher-seeded teams dropped their home openers—this day saw all four home teams defend their turf.
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April 16th arrived, and it was time for Game 2 of the Warriors-Clippers series. The morning found Tang at the team's training facility, running through drills to maintain his sharpness. Coach Kerr held a brief meeting to emphasize focus and composure, reminding everyone that no lead was safe and complacency was the enemy of champions.
That evening, the Oracle Arena was once again packed to the rafters. The fans donned their yellow gear, creating a sea of gold that roared as the players took the court.
The Clippers, having been thoroughly outplayed in Game 1, came out swinging. Zubac won the opening tip, and their first possession ended with Danilo Gallinari draining a clean three-pointer. Moments later, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stormed through the lane for a thunderous dunk. Within two minutes, the Clippers had jumped to a quick 5–0 lead.
The Warriors, by contrast, struggled to find their rhythm. Steph Curry's three-point attempts rattled out, and the team managed only a few free throws and a contested layup from DeMarcus Cousins. By the midway point of the first quarter, the Clippers had stretched their lead to 11–3.
Coach Kerr, ever the pragmatist, called a timeout. He made a bold move, subbing out Curry and Klay Thompson for Tang Lei and Shaun Livingston.
Tang's entrance changed the energy on the floor. He immediately took control of the offense, feeding Cousins for easy buckets and calming the team's nerves. Slowly but surely, the Warriors began to chip away at the deficit.
Still, trouble loomed in the form of Patrick Beverley. The defensive pest had locked onto Kevin Durant, hounding him relentlessly and disrupting his flow. Durant, visibly frustrated, was uncharacteristically sloppy, committing turnovers and missing shots he'd normally make in his sleep. Beverley's taunts only added fuel to the fire, but Tang could see the cracks forming.
Durant demanded the ball on the next possession. Tang obliged, delivering a crisp pass. But as Durant squared up, Beverley closed the gap with suffocating pressure. A hard bump sent the ball skittering out of bounds, much to Beverley's delight.
The arena fell into a stunned silence, save for Beverley's trash talk and Durant's muted claps. Tang, watching from the wing, couldn't help but sigh. This was going to be a long night.